Top row from left: Quinnipiac University students: Ryan Schiferl, Jason Davis, Madeline Dyson, Marissa Romano and Kyle Liang. Middle row from left: Quinnipiac students Chi Tran, Anjali Narayan, Hilary Larosa and Deisha Quinones. Bottom row from left: Quinnipiac students Stephen Giblin and Matthew Mitchell. Missing from the photo is DeShana Tracey.
Twelve Quinnipiac University students gave back to the community by spending three days of their Thanksgiving break volunteering at Columbus House in New Haven.
The students and three faculty members visited the homeless shelter from Nov. 23-25 and provided service to those in the community who are in need of help. They organized storage for donations, prepared and delivered meals, decorated gathering areas and a Christmas tree and connected with individuals in respite care. They also assisted the residents with organizing their resumes and applying for jobs.
“As faculty members of Quinnipiac and health care professions, it is an opportunity we love to participate in,” said Tracy Van Oss, associate clinical professor of occupational therapy and one of the faculty members who went with the students. “The students have reported in years past that they love the impact their decision to give up three days of vacation can make in just one person’s life. It truly is an amazing partnership that we are all honored to be a part of.
In addition to their service, the students learned about inter-professional education, collaboration and why the needs of the community are important, especially during the holidays.
The Columbus House is a nonprofit organization that serves people who are homeless or are at risk of becoming homeless by providing shelter and housing, and by fostering their personal growth and independence.” They have provided solutions to homelessness in Hartford, Middlesex, New Haven and New London Counties since 1982.